A report on public finances under Macky Sall’s presidency may lead to legal action against him, with allegations of severe mismanagement. The audit findings could represent a historical moment in Senegal, as no former leader has faced such scrutiny since independence. New leadership expresses a commitment to investigate previous administration’s corruption, while the rhetoric between political factions intensifies.
In Senegal, a recent report from the Court of Auditors regarding public finance management during former President Macky Sall’s tenure has ignited controversy. Following the report’s findings, the government has announced plans to summon Sall to court due to significant discrepancies in financial reporting, indicating possible mismanagement. The audit revealed a dramatic revision of both national debt and the public deficit, with a 2023 budget deficit reported at 12.3%, exceeding the previously stated figure of 4.9%.
Macky Sall served as president from 2012 to 2024 and has lived in Morocco since leaving office. He has dismissed the allegations linked to the audit report as politically motivated. Government spokesman Moustapha Sarre asserted that Sall could be deemed the leader of a criminal organization and indicated that legal action against him is imminent.
New President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who assumed office last March, is committed to distancing himself from Sall’s administration. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has pledged to investigate alleged widespread corruption from the former administration, with several former officials already facing charges of fraud and money laundering.
Should charges be filed, it would mark an unprecedented event in Senegal, where no former head of state has faced legal repercussions related to their time in office since independence in 1960. Recent developments also include discussions regarding repealing an amnesty law, introduced by Sall, which has faced significant opposition.
The end of Sall’s presidency was marred by violent protests resulting in 65 deaths, including numerous students. Amnesty International has emphasized the necessity for justice concerning the excessive force used by security forces during these protests. Following these events, the former president’s camp has criticized government officials for their inflammatory remarks. They described the allegations as populist and manipulative, discrediting the credibility of the government’s assertions.
The situation surrounding former Senegalese President Macky Sall escalates as his administration faces scrutiny due to a damning audit report. Accusations of financial mismanagement may lead to unprecedented legal actions against Sall, emphasizing a shift in accountability within the Senegalese political landscape. As investigations unveil widespread corruption allegations, the government’s commitment to justice will be closely monitored, particularly concerning the amnesty law and the violent protests that plagued the final months of Sall’s presidency.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
